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[JVJ]

Well lets see, I'll start with Andy McDermott's latest "The Sacred Vault", but if you want to read this before Mar. 2011 here you'll have to order it from England like I did in July. Good read by the way, I've read all of the series so far and wasn't disappointed so far except for the potty mouth Ms. Wilde which has been toned down with this book, (I don't care to much for a well educated person sounding like longshoreman all the time, just doesn't make a very believable character holding the position she has, as head of a archeology division of the United Nation).

Then I read "The Atlantis Code" by Charles Brokaw, a Da Vinci Code look-a-like, but was not a bad read, (I've never read or saw the Da Vinci Code book or movie, so maybe that's a good thing). It was a fast, exciting mover with a strong woman character which/who was believable.

Last one I just finished was "The Shimmer" by David Morrell, an interesting tale about a policeman who's wife takes off and stops in a small southern Texas town on the way to her mother's without telling him what's going on and then there's those mysterious lights too along with a government coverup that started from/in WWII.

I'm reading right now "The Hidden Oasis" by Paul Sussman, I've just started it, so I can't give a short synoptic of the book yet, but I read all his books and have enjoyed them all, if you like archaeology along with a murder mystery this book will hold your interest.


Read on...

Geo

I liked The Da Vinci Code, Geo,
I liken it to a combination pulp story/movie serial that was a silly roller coaster ride. I think way too many people take it way too seriously, but diss the hype and just read it. I think it's kind of fun in a serial sort of way.

Just finished "Your Email Will be Graded" by John Scalzi. First half was better than the second, but I did learn what's supposed to "happen" in (scary music...) 2012, the Mayan calendar reaches the end of its thirteenth baktun and resets to 00.00.00.00.00 - basically their new millennium. Nothing at all to do with Western prophecies or apocalyptic times. They did have a great calendar though, accurate to one day in 4000 years - whereas we, of course, have to add a day nearly every four years.

Scalzi turns out to be an interesting man. Check out his blog, the Whatever, at whatever.scalzi.com to read his stuff for free.

Plugging away at William Gibson's Pattern Recognition. What an entrancing way with words and descriptions! He's making me want to go back and re-read Neuromancer and his other earlier stuff. That's a good thing - having a bunch of books that you want to read AGAIN.

Haven't read any Sussman, Geo, but the premise/genre sounds interesting. I'll keep him in mind. My list keeps on growing. Again, that's a good thing.

Peace, Jim (|:{>

[JVJ]

The first book of this series is called The Plutonium Blonde. All feature retro-looking cover art complete with printed on smudge marks and scuffs, giving it the "old style" face it pays humorous homage to.

It's on my list, Charlie. Thanks.

Peace, Jim (|:{>

[JVJ]

I first got into pulps one summer back in the mid 60s when we were vacationing back on my grandparent's farm in Pennsylvania.  I found an old copy of Tarzan of the Apes up in the attic and I read it and was hooked.  As soon as we returned home I was checking out and reading every Edgar Rice Burroughs book (and those of a similar vein-Kline, Carter) that I could find at the public library.  It wasn't long afterward that someone gave me one of the Doc Savage paperbacks that were then reprinting the old pulps.  This lead to reading the other pulp hero pulp characters that were being reprinted in the 1960s and 70s.  Somewhere around this period I also discovered Conan and Robert E. Howard and then other Weird Tales authors like H. P. Lovecraft and Clark Ashton Smith.  I read lots of these in the 60s and 70s

I devoured ERB early on (age 9 or 10) as fast as my older brother got them out of the library. Then Heinlein and then Howard. This was in the mid-Fifties. By the time I was 13, I was on to Asimov and Farmer and Ellison, etc. The Doc Savage/Lovecraft/Hobbit bug never bit me. I've tried all of them and couldn't finish any. It's just the way I'm drawn, I suppose.

I discovered Heinlein via a copy of Have Spacesuit Will Travel that was in the school library when I was about 10 years old.  I actually got to meet Heinlein about a decade later at a Phoenix SciFi/Star Trek/Comics convention which was a thrill.

I got into fantasy novels via Tolkein (The Hobbit was an assigned book by one of my teachers at school) in the early 1970s.  I especially remember reading a bunch of Thomas Burnett Swann's novels during that decade.

Like you, Jose, I enjoyed the 1960s and the rash of reprints suddenly available in pb. Swann, Carter, "Doc" Smith, etc. Tried them all, but didn't inhale, if you know what I mean? Revisited Howard at that time and was royally pissed at Carter and DeCamp for their temerity in "improving" the canon. NEVER cared for their stuff. It simply wasn't Conan.

Dashiell Hammett was the first of the Black Mask/hard boiled school of mystery writers I read (mid 1970s) and that was because I first saw John Huston's terrific film adaptation of The Maltese Falcon (quite possibly the most faithful film adaptation of a book ever made) and it made me want to check out the author.  That eventually lead to Raymond Chandler and then to James M. Cain and various other authors such as Ross MacDonald, Mickey Spillane, John D. MacDonald, etc...

Best

Joe

My first brush with mysteries was Charteris' The Saint - an early guilty pleasure I assume since I can't re-read them. Probably a result of my brother's influence.

I'm not so certain that I'll give "The Maltese Falcon" such high grades for filmic faithfulness, but it WAS/IS a great film. It, too, led me to the mystery/pulp genres - although I have to admit that Karen was my guide here. She "discovered" them first. The others you mention I've sampled but am left unsatisfied. There is something "old fashioned" about their approach that guys like Crais and Connolly overcome. I prefer, I suppose, more "meat" on my hero's ID. And the ease and flow of a more modern writing style. MacDonald and McDonald and Spillane never seemed to grab me. Perhaps I should revisit them.

All for now. Got to get back to packing and proof-reading.

Peace, Jim (|:{>

[narfstar]

By the second Skylark I totally disliked them. It was too much like much of modern anime/manga. Things can happen just because the author wants them to happen without rhyme, reason or logic. Smith's last series was the first I read and really liked the Family D'Alembert series. More down to earth and good fun read. Lead me to try Skylark much to my regret.

While others S&S characters may have been poor Conan imitations, I really liked Fritz Lieber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Once again fun reads. I like an occasional heavy read but life is heavy enough that I prefer relaxing reads most of the time.

[JVJ]

By the second Skylark I totally disliked them. It was too much like much of modern anime/manga. Things can happen just because the author wants them to happen without rhyme, reason or logic. Smith's last series was the first I read and really liked the Family D'Alembert series. More down to earth and good fun read. Lead me to try Skylark much to my regret.

While others S&S characters may have been poor Conan imitations, I really liked Fritz Lieber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Once again fun reads. I like an occasional heavy read but life is heavy enough that I prefer relaxing reads most of the time.

I'm not advocating for anything heavy, Narf,
I with you all the way on that. And on the Skylark material - stuff that appealed to the 10 year old me but, when revisited as an adult, gave me an identical reaction. On the other hand, the F&GM Leiber stuff never grabbed me. I kept comparing it to REH and it kept coming off second best. Since I was RE-reading the Conan and viewing from post-puberty, I was getting the full impact of the work for the first time. Leiber didn't have a prayer.

Looking at my reading list should show you that deep is not my favorite adjective for my books. However, I LOVE a well-written yarn that I have to focus on to appreciate. All too often I find myself speed-reading (if ONLY I could really DO that!) through the text to get the gist and move on. Gibson actually rewards my effort enough to make slowing down worthwhile.

At some point I graduated from content to content plus style. Leslie Charteris has reasonably decent content and a non-intrusive, fairly mediocre style. I can't dwell on his words because they seldom surprise me in any fashion other than plot - and even those "surprises" are fairly minimal. For a while I was into guys like Mitchner and Eric Von Lustbader with their deep, historic and meaningful prose, but eventually realized that it WAS too heavy for me. There were (and art) better and more enjoyable uses of my time.

Entertainment first and foremost in a book, please. Probably why I shy away from most films. They aren't rewarding enough, generally. When I was younger, this was not so, but with age comes irascibility and impatience. With age came the sudden knowledge that I didn't HAVE to finish every book or movie I started. Very enabling.

Keep it light, keep it entertaining, but, also, keep it well-written and somewhat of an intellectual challenge. Mental stimulation keeps the brain agile, they say.

Peace, Jim (|:{>

[narfstar]

I guess the titles of some of your book list sounded heavier than they are Jim. And I have come to some of the same conclusions. I have an easier time not finishing a movie thanks to DVR which many refer to as TIVO on their systems. I have been getting better about not finishing a book although I have to tell myself it is OK to stop even if I have gone past the first chapter. You may want to give F&GH another try in your later years and take them on their own merits not comparing to Conan. They have a charm and humor that would never have fit in Conan. If nothing else read the Sword of Sorcery comics. Less time invested and still a fun read. That is where I discovered the pair in the first place. When those comics came out I loved Conan but actually enjoyed the Kull comic even more. Dagar has some interesting reading and I appreciate Santos art now more than I did originally.

I have several OE Klien books and love the covers. I read one and will probably not read anymore. If I want ERB I will read the real thing. I will hold onto the books for the covers.

[Geo (R.I.P.)]

By the way Jim I finally got my copy of Al Williamson Archives Vol. 1. I was very impressed by the quality (stitched binding) and the paper stock used along with the art that was selected for this volume. It really showed the genius he had on the craft he worked in. Well worth the cost of the book even at list price, which I didn't pay by the way.

Can't wait for the next volume to come out.

Geo

PS: Jim I'm officially retired now, it seems busier now then when I was working, strange too not having to get up at a certain time.

[narfstar]

Al Williamson was awesome. When I see some of his work I think of Frazetta. Truly one of the greatest

[JVJ]

I did try Leiber again, later, narf,
with the same results. I find Leiber a tough read as he always seems to be imitating himself - if that makes any sense? I even felt a little iffy about Michael Chabon's "Gentlemen of the Road" which was a pastiche primarily of F&GM. Not my favorite Chabon.

His latest, just out in paperback, is "Manhood for Amateurs" which I found excellent.

I have a WALL full of books with great covers. Just ask Geo. If I could push past the WALL of toys that my nephews have embedded into that side of the attic, I'd take a picture and post it. Imagine the "wall of comics" as a "wall of paperbacks" and you'll have a good idea. The Klein books of the '60s and '70s did have some great covers, didn't they?

One reason you think of Frazetta when you see some Williamson is that you're most likely seeing some Frazetta, too. They did a lot of work together, especially in the 1950-1955 era. After that, they went their separate ways, Al to Atlas and Frank to L'il Abner - what a tragic waste that was...

Congratulations to you, Geo, on your retirement. Do you, like me, find it difficult to imagine where you ever found the TIME to have a job? I'm continually amazed that for 30 years I carved 9-10 hours out of every single day and devoted them to earning a living. Weird. Welcome to the leisure crowd.

It's sad that Al never got to see the first volume of the Flesk Archive series. He did see the proofs and was proud of them. Or at least happy. John does wonderful books at very reasonable prices. I'm always impressed by his efforts.

And I KNOW this is pissing into the wind, but did you ever consider that paying full price TO THE PUBLISHER might make that next volume in the series more possible and likely to happen that much sooner? If you like something, vote with your pocketbook. Amazon doesn't PUBLISH books and I'm surprised that more publishers don't react more negatively to seeing their product being sold there at prices that undercut their own sales possibilities. How could I, for example, sell enough copies of my Kinstler book at $39.95 when Amazon was selling it for $24.85 or some such? Sure convinced me not to sell to them or to any distributor again.

I got out of the book-selling business for the same reason. If everyone has to compete on price alone, I might as well have been selling widgets instead of books that I loved. "Productizing" everything is repulsive in that it transforms things we love and cherish into "merchandise" that can, should and will be trivialized by the lowest price: buy this book on Amazon for 1

[CreepysFan]

 I'm currently half-way through 'The Lurking Fear & other stories', which is a pb anthology of H.P. Lovecraft stories. Who also happens to be my favorite writer since age 8.  I collect Lovecraft, Burroughs, and Howard novels, grew up on these and still concider them  superior to the modern stuff I've read. Yesterday I recieved 'Pan Book of Horror #6' from ebay, so that will probably be my next book to read.

[narfstar]

I buy comics at my LCS for the pocketbook vote. I could download bootleg scans of the books but how can the creators and publishers publish if no one pays? I also use my LCS, even though I could get steeper discounts online, because I want them supported. I do have a big problem with Diamond often ignoring some of my order because I am the only one locally who gets them. There is a second Civil War graphic novel and I have not yet got the first. I want the books and am willing to pay for them but Diamond won't ship them. PS238 is another comic I want to buy paper copies from my LCS but may have to go to LoneStar.

[JVJ]

Good on ya, narf!

My insurance company keeps trying to get me to go mail order on my medications, but my local pharmacy (which we've been patronizing for 35 years) is simply too much a part of my life. Money isn't everything.

I echo your dislike of Diamond. Talk about a "money is the ONLY thing" attitude... Like the big bully on the block, IMHO.

Peace, Jim (|:{>

[Astaldo711]

Watcha Readin'?

This post! Hah! Sorry, it's early guys.

Seriously, just finished Mars by Ben Bova. Not too bad. I usually don't read novels. I prefer books on astronomy, archaeology, history, etc.
Speaking of money isn't everything, John, I patronize my local car mechanic for the same reason. We've been going to him since we moved up here 10 years ago. He charges a little more than others (not TOO much, I'm not Rockelfeller!) but he's always been fair and reasonable. I remember one time when my radiator sprung a leak. I told him I needed my car to get to work but couldn't pay him for a couple of days. He said "No problem. I'll get you fixed so you can get to work. I'll take care of you." And he always has!

[JonTheScanner]

And I KNOW this is pissing into the wind, but did you ever consider that paying full price TO THE PUBLISHER might make that next volume in the series more possible and likely to happen that much sooner? If you like something, vote with your pocketbook. Amazon doesn't PUBLISH books and I'm surprised that more publishers don't react more negatively to seeing their product being sold there at prices that undercut their own sales possibilities. How could I, for example, sell enough copies of my Kinstler book at $39.95 when Amazon was selling it for $24.85 or some such? Sure convinced me not to sell to them or to any distributor again.

I got out of the book-selling business for the same reason. If everyone has to compete on price alone, I might as well have been selling widgets instead of books that I loved. "Productizing" everything is repulsive in that it transforms things we love and cherish into "merchandise" that can, should and will be trivialized by the lowest price: buy this book on Amazon for 1

[narfstar]

I often wonder the same thing about Amazon, etc. There is a listed retail price but what is a reasonable price to pay.

[paw broon]

I use my local library for most detective fiction I want to read and it's easy to order titles not on our local shelves.  I buy new S.F from a pal who has a bookshop in Edinburgh and who specialises in imported S.F and Fantasy (I also order a few comics and collections from him). 
I think I've mentioned this previously but it bears repeating.  The Inspector Montalbano books by Andrea Camilleri (excellent translations by Stephen Sartarelli) are very good.  Set in Sicily, it sometimes seems like an alien world and society. I'm up to date with all the English language releases but while on holiday in Italy a few months ago, I bought La Caccia al Tesoro and had a go at reading it.  But it's not even in Italian, it's in Sicilian.  And I was really struggling and had to give up less than half way and then I was only getting an idea of what was going on.
Although I recently read the latest Bryant and May mystery by Christopher Fowler, I have gone back to the first story - Full Dark House - and I'd forgotten how good, well written, amusing and strange it is.
Who mentioned F & GM? I read them when a lot younger and thoroughly enoyed them (and the comics).  Should I go back and try them again?  Do I really have the time?
Can't make up my mind about the Amazon v. local bookshop question.  Only having used Amazon for old films and t.v. shows I can't find easily elsewhere (and even then I tend to use play.com) I'm not sure if they are damaging or widening access.  Not sure why publishers can't sell at a discount except that the book trade seems to be in trouble here and less cash going in wont help.
If anyone's interested, I'm writing this while listening to the last 1 day international cricket match between India and England.  Series balanced at 2 wins each and this is the decider. Despite all the potential scandals etc in recent weeks, this is still an exciting final game of the season.  Available on BBC radio, if you can get it.

[narfstar]

I just got Blake Bells new book FIRE & WATER: BILL EVERETT, THE SUB-MARINER, AND THE BIRTH OF MARVEL COMICS from Fantagraphics. I have only looked through it, not read any yet, but it is now tops on my reading list. You have to see the original art repro of Black Widow from Amazing Adventures 5 page 9. Bill's inks on Colon's pencils. Looks like Bill had some fun knowing the coloring would hide the embellishments. Original art sometimes make me wish US comics had not gone so heavily into color. BTW the book looks great. Last comic related book I read Tony I's 1000 Must Read Comics which was a great fun read. For anyone who picked up the Crumb Genesis you might want to try the Wolverton Bible.

[CharlieRock]

Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett. The second of the Captain Vimes books based on Discworld. I'm loving it ( a re-read)

[narfstar]

Just got Jim Amash's book on Carmine Infantino. Now I have two new books with no time to read them

[josemas]

Finished the following books this past month.

The King of Torts-John Grisham-It's been several years since I last read a Grisham novel (I did read a non-fiction of his more recently that was pretty interesting) and found this one (where tort lawyers get their comeuppance) only so-so.

The Road to Wigan Pier-George Orwell- Besides Animal Farm and 1984 Orwell wrote a few other books including this non-fiction look at mining communities in Northern England during the Great Depression.  Best parts are his vivid descriptions of the people and their working and living conditions.

Eyes of Prey-John Sandford-It's been a while since I last read one of Sandford's "Prey" books This one, which is a variation on Patricia Highsmith's Strangers on a Train, was a good one.

The Turkish Gambit-Boris Akunin-While not quite up to the level of some of Akunin's earlier mystery novels I've read (all featuring the 19th century Russian Erast Fandorin) this one still had some good bits.

Black Hills-Dan Simmons-A JVJ recommendation.  Simmons' once again mixes real people and historical events with his own brand of weirdness (and Simmons does weirdness well!).  Along with the weirdness you'll learn a lot about the building of both Mt. Rushmore and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Dark Voyage-Alan Furst-Jim also recommended Mr. Furst to me (although I don't believe he mentioned this specific book-it just happened to be the first I snagged off the shelf at the library).  I gotta admit I had a hard time getting jazzed up about this story of espionage and smuggling during the early part of WWII but that may have been due more to my sour mood the week I read it (bad week at work!).  I'll give Furst another chance in a couple of months. 

Best

Joe

[CharlieRock]

Does this include Graphic Novels? Because I just read Batman/Superman: Supergirl. Got inspired after watching the animated movie adaptation Apocalypse.

[narfstar]

I guess graphic novels would go in the swag section as that is where we have been posting our comic reading.

[CharlieRock]

I am reading Batman: Inferno by Alex Irvine. Surprise! It's not a graphic novel. A regular 339 page novel. And ... it's good! 

[narfstar]

I just read the first story in THE PHANTOM GENERATIONS SPECIAL. Been my favorite Phantom story so far.
Phantom Generations from Moonstone is a different kind of comic. One page prose the other a picture with each issue covering that number Phantom. Since The Phantom has gone to Dynamite, Moonstone released Generations Special with 3 full stories from Phantom 14-16. Phantom 14 was a great story. Since I am more concerned with story than art Generations has been a favorite of mine. Being a Phantom fan helps too  The art looks like it was done with colored pencils but does look really good. I am going bike riding so I will finish the other stories later.

[srca1941]

I'm someone who likes to bounce around between different things. Since I get so much fiction with comics, I tend to go more with non-fiction (except for the first book on my list). Some of the non-comic books I'm reading off and on right now are: